Aston Villa lead Leeds United in Danilho Doekhi transfer race

Aston Villa have emerged as the likelier destination for Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi in the final days of the January transfer window, with German media suggesting Leeds United may now be trailing in the race.

The 27-year-old centre-back has attracted growing attention after it emerged he is available during the winter market, largely due to his contract situation. With less than six months remaining on his deal, Union Berlin are increasingly resigned to the prospect of losing one of their most reliable performers.

Leeds United were the first English club to be strongly linked, with reports in Germany on 27 January indicating Daniel Farke’s side were monitoring Doekhi as a potential defensive addition. However, that interest has since been joined — and possibly overtaken — by Aston Villa.

Kicker followed up by reporting that Villa had entered the race, and further coverage from Bild now suggests Unai Emery’s side are in pole position to secure the Dutchman’s signature before Monday’s deadline.

A notable factor is Doekhi’s family connection to Villa Park. He is the cousin of Lamare Bogarde, and there is belief in Germany that this link could help tip the balance in Villa’s favour.

Bild reports that Doekhi is among several Union Berlin players who could leave before the window closes, alongside Diogo Leite and Alex Král. Despite being a regular starter, the defender remains a strong candidate for departure.

Doekhi has featured heavily this season, logging 2,010 minutes across 22 appearances in all competitions. His consistency and availability have made him a key part of Union Berlin’s back line, which is why his potential exit is described internally as a “significant sporting loss”.

Nevertheless, with his contract winding down, the club face a decision between cashing in now or risking a free transfer in the summer.

From Villa’s perspective, Doekhi represents a low-risk, high-value opportunity. Emery currently has Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelöf and Tyrone Mings as central defensive options.

However, Mings has struggled with injury issues for over a year, while fixture congestion across domestic and European competitions has placed heavy demands on the squad. Doekhi’s durability and experience at Bundesliga level would offer useful rotation and competition.

Having followed Villa’s recruitment closely, the club have consistently targeted players who can contribute immediately while maintaining resale or squad value — a profile Doekhi fits well.

Leeds remain interested, but German reporting now suggests they may be behind Villa in the race. Much will depend on timing, financial structure and the player’s own preference, particularly with the chance to join a Premier League side pushing for European qualification.

It remains too early to draw firm conclusions, but momentum appears to be shifting.

With the January deadline approaching, Union Berlin are likely to push for clarity on Doekhi’s future. Aston Villa could move quickly if they decide to formalise interest, while Leeds may need to act decisively to stay in contention. Should no deal be struck now, a summer exit remains highly probable given the defender’s contract situation.

Would Danilho Doekhi be a smart depth signing for Aston Villa, or should Leeds United push harder to land him first?